Kate Fowler, below, left, executive director of the It Happened to Alexa Foundation, chats with visitors last Sunday at Buffalo Riverworks about the upcoming IHTAF Great Contraption Race, set for Saturday, Aug. 18, on the Buffalo River.
"I think it was a fun day and I think we got a lot of people interested in IHTAF and the Contraption Race. Momentum is really building for the race and we are seeing so much interest in the event," she said. "It's getting really exciting as the race draws near."
Among those who will be participating is a crew from Cellino Plumbing Co. of Buffalo, pictured, that was busy at Riverworks that afternoon building a Buffalo Bills on-river contraption that will be complete with goalposts for the race.
In the photo above, the Cellino crew of Lucas Cellino (Lancaster), Jarrett Pretrowski (Lancaster), Paul Soto (Grand Island), Payton Spinelli (Buffalo) and Tony Cellino (Lancaster) are shown working on their contraption. Tony Cellino also is shown with the contraption as it nears finishing.
Fowler said New York State Sen. Tim Kennedy will officially open the first Great Contraption Race on the Buffalo River at 10 a.m. from the race launch site at Silo City Paddling Co., located at 105 Silo City Row. From there, racers will navigate their contraptions 1.25 miles down river to a site near the Buffalo Riverworks, where an after party and awards presentations will take place.
For those who are unable to build a contraption, but still wanting to be a part of this unique event, after-party tickets are available at $25 for adults and $10 for children (ages 3 and under admitted at no charge). The price includes food and beverage.
"If anyone is interested in participating, they can email or call me by Aug. 10," Fowler said.
For more information, visit the above website, call 716-754-9105, or email
[email protected].
